Made to Measure Cratch Covers in Waltham Abbey

Frequently Asked Questions

Cratch Covers Prices for Waltham Abbey Boat Owners

Cratch covers start from £329 — no VAT charged. The price depends on the size of the cratch frame, the number of windows and ventilation panels, and whether you need a door section. We can also repair existing cratch covers — window replacements start from £89 and zip repairs from £49. All new covers include UK-wide tracked delivery.

For Waltham Abbey boat owners mooring on the River Lee, our no-VAT pricing represents a saving of at least £66 on a starting-price cratch cover compared to a VAT-registered supplier — and often considerably more on larger or more complex covers.

View the full price list or contact Ryan for a personalised quote for your River Lee boat — most quotes are turned around within one working day.

Waltham Abbey Boating Community

The River Lee and Lee Navigation near Waltham Abbey attract a wide range of boat types — from motor cruisers and narrowboats to heritage river launches and wooden dayboats. Our cratch covers are made without reference to model specifications — we work from your existing cover as a cutting pattern, so a precise replica is possible for any hull shape, no matter how unusual or vintage.

We receive orders from Waltham Abbey boat owners who have struggled to source covers for older or uncommon boats from mainstream suppliers. Because we use the original cover as our template rather than a database of standard patterns, a bespoke copy from us fits better than any off-the-shelf alternative. Whether your boat lives on the River Lee or spends time on the Lee Navigation, the cover we make will be cut to your boat's exact profile.

Marine Fabrics & Materials

Cratch covers are exposed to the elements year-round at the bow of the boat. We use heavy-duty marine PVC or breathable acrylic canvas with welded or sewn window panels, UV-resistant thread, and heavy-duty YKK zips. All materials are chosen to handle both the wet of canal spray and the internal condensation that builds up in a lived-in cratch. We can add ventilation panels on request.

For Waltham Abbey boats mooring year-round on the River Lee, the choice between PVC and acrylic usually comes down to whether breathability (acrylic) or maximum waterproofing (PVC) is the priority — Ryan is happy to advise based on your specific mooring and how frequently you use the boat.

Read more about our fabric and materials choices, including which options work best for river conditions like those on the River Lee near Waltham Abbey.

How to Order Cratch Covers from Waltham Abbey

Our postal copy service means Waltham Abbey boat owners don't need to visit our workshop in person. Here is how it works:

1. Step 1 — Post your cover: Post your existing cratch cover to our Carterton, Oxfordshire workshop. We use it as an exact template — no measuring from your boat is needed.
2. Step 2 — We make your cover: We build a bespoke copy using your old cover as a precise pattern, replacing any worn windows, broken zips, or failed fixings. You can request fabric colour changes at this stage.
3. Step 3 — Receive your cover: Your new cratch cover is dispatched by tracked courier within 6 working days, ready to fit back onto your cratch frame without any modifications.

Learn more about the postal copy service